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Posted by Don on May 06, 2004 at 20:01:33:
In Reply to: Training Ex-Racehorse posted by Horse Lover on February 10, 2004 at 20:50:13:
While Nancy is right, it sounds as though you may also be suffering from some of the problems typically associated with horses that come off the track.
You might want to look into long lining (driving your horse in long lines). You can do this in a manner that is similar to lunging, but you have substantially more control. When done properly, there are tremendous benefits from this kind of ground work.
If this is foreign to you, seek out an older driving trainer, i.e. 60+. One that shows in antique carriage or combined driving classes; Or perhaps a draft horse trainer.This is important since so many of the driving classes today are nothing more than controlled run-aways. And the horses are completely lost if they are asked to do anything other that trot.
Around our place all horses are started in long lines, so that that the first ride is a non event. Although your horse may already be broke, the long lines are not only a good way for the two of you to get better aquainted, it will give you the authority needed to retrain the animal.
E-mail me if you have questions.
Don